California State University, Los Angeles
Guillermo Zuñiga is emeritus president of Grifols Biologicals LLC, a manufacturer of life-saving therapies derived from human plasma and used by patients with rare, chronic and often life-threatening conditions worldwide. Grifols Biologicals LLC is a North American manufacturing subsidiary of global healthcare company Grifols S.A., headquartered in Barcelona, Spain.
Mr. Zuñiga, who resides in Glendora, California, grew up close to California State University, Los Angeles in El Sereno and attended Wilson High School. He started his career in the biopharmaceutical industry as an entry-level manufacturing technician in 1979 with Alpha Therapeutic Corporation, right across the street from the university. He attended night classes at Cal State LA and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the College of Business and Economics in 1986.
Throughout his career, Mr. Zuñiga has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to serving his community. He has worked with Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Los Angeles Valley College, Los Angeles Mission College and Citrus College to support their chemical technology, process technology and biotechnology programs to recruit manufacturing technician candidates and to keep top talent in the region.
Mr. Zuñiga has also served on the executive board of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation and the city of Los Angeles' Workforce Investment Board, now called the Workforce Development Board, working with the mayor and City Council to develop strategic initiatives for regional development and training.
Under his leadership, Grifols collaborated with Cal State LA to offer the Grifols Summer Science Academy, which has trained more than 80 high school students in microbiology, chemistry and molecular work. The academy, which started in 2015, allows students to work in university laboratories under the guidance of Grifols professionals and Cal State LA faculty members. Mr. Zuñiga, a member of the Cal State LA President's Council, received the LA BioStar Award in 2018 from Cal State LA BioSpace for his contributions to the regional bioscience industry. In 2022, he was named Cal State LA's Alumnus of the Year.
In recognition of his dedication to the health and professional development of his community, and his collaborative efforts for the betterment of students in the Los Angeles area, the Board of Trustees for California State University and California State University, Los Angeles is proud to confer upon Guillermo Zuñiga the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.